Police continue to investigate accident that killed Dante DeSimone

CLIFTON HEIGHTS — Dante DeSimone’s abilities earned him a college scholarship, but it was his dedication to excellence and his devotion to others that his family, friends and teammates remember most.

“It’s just devastating that such a fine young man would have this happen,” Upper Darby High School Athletic Director Holly Farnese said Monday morning, some 12 hours after the young scholar-athlete was killed in a freak accident. “Dante’s death has created a hole in many hearts that will not be filled, but he will be remembered with love.”

DeSimone, 18, was talking with his friend Tim Robison in front of the McDonald’s in the 500 block of Baltimore Pike at about 9:35 p.m. Sunday night when a pickup and a sedan collided in front of them. The impact of the crash sent one of the vehicles up onto the sidewalk, striking the two young men, Police Chief Tim Rockenbach said.

Rescue workers transported DeSimone to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, where he was pronounced dead.

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Robison, also 18, was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was listed in critical but stable condition Monday morning, with his family by his side, Rockenbach said.

A 2013 graduate of Upper Darby High School, DeSimone played ice hockey and lacrosse for four years and was a co-captain of the lacrosse team during his senior year.

In a written statement, Farnese remembered DeSimone as an extraordinary young man.

“He had a brilliant career on the field and the ice and received a scholarship to attend Neumann University to continue athletic participation at the collegiate level. Dante was a leader not only in athletics, but in the academic endeavors he pursued. His talent and skill, driven by his personal dedication to excellence; his outstanding sportsmanship and his desire to win could not help but be recognized by his fellow players, classmates, teachers, coaches and the community,” she wrote.

“Dante strived to perfect his technique and demonstrated selfless commitment. His humility put the good of the team first, encouraging teammates, never seeking to be rewarded. He was content with what he could give to others,” Farnese added. “Dante represented all that is ‘Royal’ in athletics.”

DeSimone was majoring in sports and entertainment management as a freshman at Neumann University in Aston, according to university spokesman Steve Bell. A resident of the Westbrook Park section of Upper Darby, DeSimone lived on campus while school was in session, Bell said. A member of the university’s lacrosse team, he was scheduled to return to campus on Wednesday to begin the spring semester.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Dante’s passing. We extend our deepest condolences to his parents, siblings, family and friends during this very difficult time,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Chuck Sack.

The Neumann University community has counselors available to provide outreach and assistance to team members, roommates and the campus community at large. A date for a memorial service for the Neumann community will be determined once students return to campus, Bell said.

“Dante was a very fun, outgoing and a very kind-hearted kid,” said one high school friend and former teammate. “Always stayed out of trouble and had a good head screwed on his shoulders. Dante was a very great athlete. He was a spectacular hockey player and an amazing teammate. He always knew how to keep people happy and laughing. And that you can’t ask for more in friend.”

DeSimone’s cousin, Kevin Fonio, said he last spoke with Dante last week.

“The last time I saw him was at the alumni lacrosse tournament on Dec. 28,” he said. “The family, we’re really shaken up.”

Rockenbach said the drivers of both vehicles stopped and are cooperating with investigators.

The Upper Darby School District is providing grief counseling for students and staff, said spokeswoman Dana Spino.

“The district offers its heartfelt condolence to the families involved and will support them in any way possible as they deal with this horrible tragedy,” Spino said.